FOXBOROUGH -- As players scurried out of the Patriots' locker room Friday, and then later at Bill Belichick's press conference, there was a surprising amount of hockey talk.

"I was hoping to get to the game, for the novelty of it," outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said of today's Winter Classic between the Boston Bruns and Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park. "I figured it was probably the only time I'd have a chance to see something like that."

Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, who grew up in Brantford, Ontario, reflected on playing pond hockey as a youngster. He was planning to watch today's game.

"It's just like backyard hockey, starting all over again," said Kaczur, who had dreamed of being a pro hockey player. "I think it's a great idea. I'd love to be able to be there."

Kaczur said it's rare to hear hockey talk in the locker room, but today was a rare exception.

Then Belichick, at the start of his press conference, marveled at the site of Bruins great Bobby Orr skating on the Fenway ice and said it made him realize how Boston is a special sports town. Belichick also talked about time he had spent with Orr previously, particularly on the golf course, and how much he enjoyed it.